King Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe

King Ranch Mac and Cheese is a Tex-Mex-inspired twist on classic mac and cheese, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with bold flavors like tomatoes, green chilies, and seasoned chicken. This comforting dish takes its cues from the famous King Ranch Chicken Casserole, offering layers of flavor with a cheesy, slightly spicy kick. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a family gathering.

King Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
   • Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Cheese:
   • Stir in the cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
   • Add the sour cream and mix well.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
6. Bake the Mac and Cheese:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese for extra crunch.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve:
   • Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or more chili powder for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add black beans or sautéed veggies like zucchini or corn for a vegetarian twist.

Enjoy!

King Ranch Mac and Cheese is a satisfying and cheesy dish with a Tex-Mex flair that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a crowd, combining comfort food with a kick of southwestern flavors.